Laboratory Technician

HR Genie

South Africa

Remote

ZAR 1,482,000 - 2,141,000

Full time

5 days ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility
Professional development opportunities
Home office stipend

Job summary

HR Genie is seeking a highly skilled Remote Plant Pathologist to diagnose and manage diseases affecting crops from a fully remote location. The role emphasizes remote diagnostics, IPM strategy development, and collaboration with agronomists and farm managers across diverse geographies. The candidate will use digital images, field data, and sample analyses to guide disease prevention and crop health improvements. A PhD-level qualification is preferred.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field.
  • 5+ years diagnosing plant diseases in agriculture.
  • Strong remote collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Diagnose plant diseases from remote reports, images, and samples.
  • Develop IPM-based disease management strategies.
  • Conduct epidemiology and pathogen biology research.
  • Provide remote expert consultation to growers and teams.
  • Stay updated on emerging plant diseases and regulatory changes.
  • Develop predictive models for disease outbreaks.

Skills

Remote communication
Laboratory analysis
Digital microscopy
Image analysis software
Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology
M.Sc. in Plant Pathology/Botany

Tools

Digital microscopy
Bioinformatics tools
Molecular diagnostic techniques

Job description

Responsible for laboratory testing and analysis of raw materials and finished products to support food safety, quality and production standards.

Job Purpose

To conduct microbiological and analytical tests on raw materials and finished products manufactured. Ensuring results are communicated and corrected. To comply with the organisational as well as legal standards and procedures. To carry out any other relevant duties as required.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

Product and Raw Material Testing

Conduct microbiological and analytical testing on the following products using approved testing methods as per SOP

Carbonated soft drink

Incoming raw material and verification of consignment products

External verification tests by a SANAS accredited laboratory

Equipment calibration and or daily verification

Conduct analytical tests in water as follows: pH., Brix, CO2, FS02, Turbidity and Alcohol %, TSO2, etc.

Organoleptic checks

Packaging quality checks

Conducting microbiocidal testing of the final product, surfaces, and the environment, etc.

Conduct micro-testing on equipment, environment, water, and air by plating on Agar plates

Conducting micro-testing on environmental swabs

Communication, reporting of results, and deviations, and investigation

Communicate any deviations to the Team Leader and/or Quality manager and assist in root cause analysis to identify the source of deviation/ non-conformity

Ensure all reagents to be used are available and discard all waste generated during analysis

Plans work accordingly and request reagents if not available or about to expiure

Correct and safe packing of waste for disposal

Health, Safety, Quality and FSSC 22000

Visual inspection on plant and products

Ensure adherence to standards

Ensure that all work is done in a safe manner and all equipment used complies with safety standards.

Support the companies Health and Safety as well as Quality programme to achieve the identified objectives and targets and fulfil the responsibilities assigned by management

Adhere to all food safety standards and report on all issues with regards to the food safety management system to the Food Safety Team

Ensure that the Critical Control Points (CCP1) and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRP2) are measured, monitored and verified at predetermined frequencies as per SOP

Quality and Experience

Grade 12

BSc in Microbiology, BSc/ Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech Food Technology qualification

1 year product testing in FMCG

1 year laboratory experience

Key quality and behavioural competencies

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in observing deviations and ensuring precise measurements to maintain product consistency

Analytical thinking: Ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and troubleshoot quality issues pro-actively

Proactive problem solving mindset: Applies root-cause analysis to resolve defects, inspired by continuous improvement practices. Ability to investigate issues and implement solutions under pressure

Teamwork and communication: Collaborates with production teams and communicates findings clearly to drive corrective actions, fostering a quality-focused culture.

Integrity and accountability: upholds ethical standards in testing and reporting, taking ownership of quality outcomes

Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting, handling shift work and responding to real-time production challenges

Safety: Commitment to safety, quality, demonstrating integrity in upholding standards without compromise

When required, perform analysis on the purchased raw materials in accordance with RMQC plan

Additional QC duties required as per business requirements

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Plant Pathologist to join their innovative team on a remote basis. In this crucial role, you will focus on identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect agricultural crops. Your expertise will be vital in developing strategies to prevent and control outbreaks, safeguarding crop health and yield for farmers. This position offers a unique opportunity for a dedicated scientist to apply their specialized knowledge in a flexible, remote work setting, contributing to the development of resilient agricultural systems and working closely with agronomists and farm managers to implement effective disease management solutions across diverse geographical areas.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Plant Pathologist to join their innovative team on a remote basis. In this crucial role, you will focus on identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect agricultural crops. Your expertise will be vital in developing strategies to prevent and control outbreaks, safeguarding crop health and yield for farmers. This position offers a unique opportunity for a dedicated scientist to apply their specialized knowledge in a flexible, remote work setting, contributing to the development of resilient agricultural systems and working closely with agronomists and farm managers to implement effective disease management solutions across diverse geographical areas.

Key Responsibilities
  • Identify and diagnose plant diseases affecting various agricultural crops through field observation and laboratory analysis.
  • Research the biology, epidemiology, and control of plant pathogens.
  • Develop and recommend integrated disease management strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
  • Conduct risk assessments for potential disease outbreaks and advise on preventative measures.
  • Provide expert consultation and training to farmers and agricultural professionals on plant disease identification and management.
  • Stay updated on the latest research and advancements in plant pathology and agricultural sciences.
Requirements
  • Advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a related plant science discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience in diagnosing and managing plant diseases in an agricultural context.
  • Strong understanding of mycology, virology, bacteriology, and nematology relevant to plant health.
  • Proficiency in laboratory techniques and data analysis related to plant pathology.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific information effectively.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary and potential for research grants.
  • Flexible remote work environment promoting work-life integration.
  • Opportunities to contribute to significant agricultural research and development projects.
  • Access to advanced diagnostic tools and resources.
  • A collaborative research environment with leading experts in the field.

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Remote Plant Pathologist to contribute to their advanced agricultural research and development division. In this crucial role, you will diagnose and manage plant diseases affecting various crops, utilizing remote diagnostic tools, digital imaging, and client-provided data. You will work from a remote location, collaborating closely with field agronomists, researchers, and growers to ensure crop health and mitigate disease outbreaks. This position is ideal for an expert in plant diseases who is comfortable working with technology and can provide critical insights and solutions without being physically present on-site. Your analysis will directly impact crop yields and the sustainability of agricultural practices.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Remote Plant Pathologist to contribute to their advanced agricultural research and development division. In this crucial role, you will diagnose and manage plant diseases affecting various crops, utilizing remote diagnostic tools, digital imaging, and client-provided data. You will work from a remote location, collaborating closely with field agronomists, researchers, and growers to ensure crop health and mitigate disease outbreaks. This position is ideal for an expert in plant diseases who is comfortable working with technology and can provide critical insights and solutions without being physically present on-site. Your analysis will directly impact crop yields and the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities
  • Diagnose plant diseases based on digital images , sample analysis reports, and field data submitted remotely.
  • Develop integrated pest and disease management strategies for a wide range of crops.
  • Conduct literature reviews and research to stay updated on emerging plant diseases and treatment options.
  • Provide remote expert consultation to field teams and clients regarding disease control and prevention.
  • Analyze disease patterns and contribute to predictive modeling efforts for disease outbreaks.
  • Document findings, recommendations, and research outcomes meticulously.
Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in diagnosing and managing plant diseases.
  • Expertise in identifying fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases in major crop types.
  • Proficiency in using digital microscopy, image analysis software , and data management systems.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with a proven publication record.
  • Excellent remote communication and collaboration abilities.
Benefits
  • Highly competitive annual salary and potential for research grants.
  • Fully remote work arrangement, offering significant flexibility.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Support for continuous learning, including attending virtual conferences and obtaining certifications.
  • Opportunity to work on impactful research that advances agricultural sustainability.

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development firm, is actively seeking a highly qualified Remote Plant Pathologist to enhance their crop health initiatives. In this critical, fully remote role, you will diagnose plant diseases, develop preventative strategies, and provide expert guidance on disease management to agricultural producers and research teams. Leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and a deep understanding of phytopathology, you will contribute to safeguarding crop yields and promoting sustainable agricultural practices from your home office. This position is ideal for an experienced professional who thrives on solving complex biological challenges and wants to make a significant impact on global food production.

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development firm, is actively seeking a highly qualified Remote Plant Pathologist to enhance their crop health initiatives. In this critical, fully remote role, you will diagnose plant diseases, develop preventative strategies, and provide expert guidance on disease management to agricultural producers and research teams. Leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and a deep understanding of phytopathology, you will contribute to safeguarding crop yields and promoting sustainable agricultural practices from your home office. This position is ideal for an experienced professional who thrives on solving complex biological challenges and wants to make a significant impact on global food production.

Key Responsibilities
  • Diagnose plant diseases through remote analysis of field reports, images, and laboratory samples.
  • Conduct research on disease epidemiology, pathogen biology, and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Develop and recommend effective disease management strategies, including integrated pest management (IPM) approaches.
  • Provide expert consultation and technical support to growers, agronomists, and research personnel via digital communication channels.
  • Stay current with emerging plant diseases, research findings, and regulatory changes in crop protection.
  • Contribute to the development of predictive models for disease outbreaks and management recommendations.
Requirements
  • Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in diagnosing and managing plant diseases in agricultural settings.
  • Proven expertise in mycology, bacteriology, and virology as they relate to plant pathogens.
  • Familiarity with molecular diagnostic techniques and bioinformatics tools.
  • Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, with experience in remote communication.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote work environment, based anywhere globally.
Benefits
  • Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous allowance for home office setup and professional development.
  • Flexible working hours and the ability to work from anywhere.
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and global food security efforts.
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